Vascular specialist update on frostbite.

Saw vascular specialist today and below is what he says about the right toe (all other toes/fingers are of no concern and will heal properly back to normal):

1) Need approx 6wks to see what damaged areas have fallen off.

2) Expects the dome/cap (tip of toe encircled by purple/black) to fall off as the tip has dead tissue. Pink is good, black bad, purple not so good.
3) Nail may fall off but if nail bed is undamaged, everything grows back. Growth may be a little wonky if nail bed is unevenly damaged.
4) Only after 2 will he know if there is bone damage. Bone damage will most likely mean half of toe is removed surgically.
5) Best case scenario is that 2 occurs and no bone damage. This means tissue will regrow underneath. Toe may be a few mm shorter. Tip of toe will be scar tissue and no nerves (no feeling).
6) Taking aspirin to improve blood flow in affected area.

Basically time will tell (in 6wks or so). The 'good' outcome isn't that good. The potential bad outcome is very bad. Not happy one bit. I'm going to be a freak.

If someone ever asks you if you should have more warmth on your feet or fingers for high altitude mountaineering, then ignore their response and go with 'yes' everytime. Sherpas and guides do not know...only you know your resilience to the cold. Don't listen to so-called experts...you are more educated and should listen to you own gut feeling...if not, then listen to me!